Flip-flops, shorts and lawn chairs are all welcome at “Prayers in the Parking Lot,” an outdoor worship service offered by The Church of the Holy Trinity.

“On Easter, I said Christ’s resurrection turns mourners into missionaries,” the Rev. Beth Palmer said, and beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, parishioners of the church will break from tradition and hold an outdoor informal service geared toward reaching out into the community with music, food and worship.

“This is the third year in a row we have done this after Easter in the parking lot,” Palmer said. She considers this event as an outreach ministry to the community.

“We do it because it is something different, and it opens us up to the community a little bit,” Palmer added.

Logan Peay, a long time member of the church, said informal services following Easter Sunday have been a tradition at the Church of the Holy Trinity — even prior to the services held in the parking lot.

“When All Saints School was still active, we used to have a big picnic out there, and one year we went to the Riverfront Park,” she said.

Peay said she enjoys a switch of venues with the outdoor service.

“After the formality of the Easter service, I enjoy this service because it is more relaxed,” and added the outdoor service is one of her favorites along with the Christmas and Easter services.

The ritual of Holy Communion will still be observed during the informal worship service, Palmer said, but the music will include a band and amplifiers.

The Patrick Smith Band will be performing for the Sunday service. Their program will include “Down by the Riverside,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

“People get into the music and the kids also participate in the songs,” Peay said.

Following the service, a free lunch will be served, which will include jambalaya, bread, salad, a beverage and dessert.

“In the event of rain we’ll move the service indoors,” Palmer said, but added the weather report was looking good.